How do you manage your passwords?

I have them stored in such safe places...

[jimbeetle]

The recommendation for Mail Washer [webmasterworld.com] really peaked my interest until, reading through the tutorial I found that the setup utility didn't import from your e-mail accounts was the passwords.

Arrrgh! Where did I put all those little critters?

Sure, I jot them down. But with passwords for this, passwords for that and different passwords for those, that adds up to a lot of different jottings and many nooks and crannies in which they might -- or might not -- turn up.

Ah, here's one hiding under the smart card rebate I was supposed to send in last week.

What system don't you use?

Jim

[Conard]

I use another little free program named Whisper 32.
I'm sure a Google search will show you where to get it.

[robertito62]

take a look at roboform also.

[creative craig]

I use my brain :)

Craig

[jimbeetle]

Craig, sometimes I just can't find mine. Must be stuck in one of those nooks or crannies along with the sticky notes with the passwords.

[creative craig]

Working for a large faceless ISP in the UK (everyone must know who I mean by that remark :)), when ever I forget a password to log on to the system or an application password it can take a couple of hours for it to be reset, when that happens its easy street for me :)

Craig

[curlykarl]

I use only two passwords, its either one or the other :)

I should really make an effort to change them ;)

but then you forget :(

[defanjos]

I use Password Safe and also have them written down, in case the old puter goes kaput.

[mivox]

'insecure' passwords, like for online newspapers or whatever: Stored in an unprotected database o' favorite URLs on my PDA.

'semi-secure' passwords: internet accounts, email, etc.: Stored in a password protected database in my PDA.

important passwords: online banking, CC info, etc.: Stored in a password-protected, encrypted password storage program on my PDA.

All of those are backed up regularly to my laptop HD to protect against sudden PDA crashes, but the data is inaccessible without the Palm.

[tbear]

I print out all password/usernames and file them in client/personal file on a shelf behind my desk. I also write everything out by hand in a little book I set up for every account/customer and also keep on that shelf behind me.
It's a bit of a hassle and not very 'hi-tech' but it works and is super safe :)

[Lundy]

I have two seperate little old fashioned address books--I use the A,B,C tabs for name of site or name of URL, etc...I put user name and pass in both books and keep them by my side all the time. My little buddies. I have two, so I'll have a back up in case a flying bald eagle sweeps down and grabs one or something. One could accidentally fall off the desk into a trash can--who knows--stuff happens.

I also keep tech support numbers for all the ISP's, and computer related places I might have to call fast, like if I see a site is down. I travel and use different computers in different locations,laptops, etc. so I have to have portable passwords--and yes, it would be great if I could always use the same passwords & my memory--but alas, some must contain 8 letters, some no more than 6, some must have numbers and letters, some insist I accept insane auto generated ones that I could NEVER remember. I have about 50 usernames and passwords for different stuff.
If my house ever catches fire, first thing I'll grab is my little password books.

[EliteWeb]

Stickie Notes for me :) I put em on the monitor and keyboard! Dont store passwords for important things anywhere.

[mavherick]

I get them tattooed! I now only undress in front of those I really trust and can't go to the beach!

Seriously, I simply use sticky notes, but could use something more adequate.

mavherick

[johnraphone]

i use the built in thing in ie6 but sometimes when it wont work for some sites, i got a nice text file on my desktop. :o

[hannamyluv]

I use a string of random numbers I have memorized. Depending on what level of security I want, depends on how many of the numbers I use. If I forget, I start with the shortest version (4 digit) and then go from there until the password works. If I need an alpha/numeric password, I use the same string with a letter placed at the end.

I figure the only way anyone could know it, is if they read minds or they have hacked my bank account (highest level). At which point in time, its all over anyway.

[Macguru]

I store them in a password protected database. And I back them up using hidden text in innocent text files.

[spikedo55]

I use Whisper 32 also. Its fast and easy to pull up. If you're managing over 20 passwords, as I am, it's better to use one of these password management programs.

[mack]

Macguru snap.

I have a file that looks like an inocent text file with my car insurance details on it...but in hidden text between the bottom of the main text and the footer note there is hidden text with passwords I use :)

Not many people would think of looking there

[mayor]

The least of my worries is someone stealing my personal address book so I write them all in one.

As anyone who has learned a little hacking can tell you, the worst thing to do is use easily remembered passwords so you don't have to write them down. It's amazing how easy it is to guess your way into certain accounts and once you've found your way into one, Pandoras's box is open. Don't ask anymore!

Be smart. Use complex 8 digit passwords. If you really feel there's some you have to remember, make them really strange words and dare not use the same or even similar ones on multiple accounts.

[jose]

I use a string of random numbers and letters which I keep in my telephone book. What I do is that the real password is always 2 numbers/letters more than the writen one.

For instance, the writen one would be 1467ab and the real one 3689cd.

Don`t ask me if you use $@%...

Thanks

[jen24815]

Used to do sticky notes; now I use a Rolodex just for passwords. Sad. :-)

[digitalghost]

I use a steganography program to encrypt the passwords and hide them in an image. I simply can't force myself to write a password down on hardcopy.

Old security maxim, leave a vapor trail, not a paper trail.

[mayor]

jose >> Don`t ask me if you use $@%...

Hey, jose, watch your ^$& language :)

[jamie]

roboform has revolutionised my life!

[deejay]

Far to paranoid to store passwords anywhere on my computer.

I have a fluoro pink notebook I keep on my desk.. with a neon yellow duplicate in my handbag.

URLs userids and passwords all in a substitution code sort of like jose.. and then written in shorthand for good measure :)

I do wonder what would happen if I were ever hit by a bus though...

[Marketing Guy]

I tend to just click on "forget your password?" links a lot..... :)

Scott

[aus_dave]

Wow - I started a similar thread [webmasterworld.com] a few days earlier and only got 2 replies. Thought I was the only paranoid one here (one of very few anyway).

Maybe Foo was the place to post in the first place, or it was 3 am in the US when I posted!

Good information in this thread anyway ;).

[mykel]

I have a file that looks like an inocent text file with my car insurance details on it...but in hidden text between the bottom of the main text and the footer note there is hidden text with passwords I use :)
Not many people would think of looking there

Good thing you didn't post your secret on the Internet or something ;)

[shady]

I always use my name "Laurence" and my date of birth "060182" - mind you, a number of people always say I lie about my age :)

[chris_f]

I always use my name "Laurence" and my date of birth "060182" - mind you, a number of people always say I lie about my age

That's funny. Your missing £500 from your bank account ;).

I have 2 passwords that I use regularly, however, if I know I'm not going to use the site alot, I use something random and use the 'forgot your password' feature next time.

Chris